*** Résumé en anglais seulement ***
James Whitbourn is a GRAMMY® nominated composer whose music is internationally admired for its direct connection with performers and audiences, The Observer describing him as 'a truly original communicator in modern British choral music'. Carolae is a fusion of two great American and English Christmas traditions, with the Missa carolae at its heart. Whitbourn's love of medieval musical language is shown through his crafting of original melody and skilful arrangements of seasonal favourites. The music of James Whitbourn is a well-established part of the Naxos catalogue, and this Christmas release will be an attractive prospect for fans of choral music looking for a fresh approach to the traditional music of the season. The album Luminosity (8.572103) was considered 'striking [with a] glowingly committed performance' by BBC Music Magazine and admired by American Record Guide for 'Whitbourn's ability to add something new' and his 'flair for rhythm.' Still greater acclaim has been given to his Son of God Mass (8.572737), with ClassicsToday.com giving it a 10/10 score as a 'gem, a masterpiece, a work that compels you to listen in a new way', and Gramophone summing it up as 'strikingly beautiful.'
Renowned American tenor Eric Rieger has performed under such conductors as John Elliot Gardner, Stefano Ranzani, Franz Welser-Möst, and Robert Shaw, and has sung leading roles with opera companies throughout Europe and beyond. Organist Daryl Robinson has earned critical acclaim as a solo and collaborative artist, praised for his innovative programming, compelling performances, and unique depth of interpretative skill. He was winner of both First Prize and Audience Prize at the 2012 American Guild of Organists National Young Artist Competition. The GRAMMY® nominated Westminster Williamson Voices, named after the founder of Westminster Choir College, John Finley Williamson, is lauded by reviewers and audiences on both sides of the Atlantic. Founded by James Jordan in 2003, the ensemble has quickly distinguished itself in the choral world for its distinctive artistry and compelling sound, recordings, educational outreach and its passionate mission to perform new music and forge close relationships with composers. It received a GRAMMY® nomination for its recording of Annelies by James Whitbourn in 2013.